Books Guide Children Through Religion

Children are often curious about the world around them—including how it was formed, the morals associated with participating in it, and the stories of their beliefs. These children’s books reviewed in our Religion Spotlight guide children through different religions to help them better interact with their religion.

The Good News in Four Words

Simplifying the gospel message into a lively celebration for young people, Dandi Mackall’s Wow! The Good News in Four Words uses rhythmic verses and exclamations to explore themes of grace and salvation in a fun and memorable way. Delightfully creative illustrations from Annabel Tempest match the enthusiasm with rioting lines, patterns, colors, and quirky characters for a high-energy, interactive affirmation of Christian faith and love, for the whole family to enjoy aloud together.

Inspired by the wisdom found in Taoist philosophy and the fourth-century parables of Chuang Tzu, The Show-Off Monkey and other Taoist Tales, from Mark W. McGinnis, is a compilation of over thirty short fables featuring an extraordinary bevy of characters, from “The Shy Crow” to “The Bull Who Lays Eggs.” Vibrant and compelling, the animals come to life in a brilliant mix of acrylic paints and Asian ink while the sage shares timeless insights.

A Lift the Flap Adventure

Small fingers will be eager to open and close creatively shaped panels in Chris Embleton-Hall’s sweetly engaging Noah’s Amazing Ark: A Lift the Flap Adventure. Uncover running tigers, pecking parrots, and flying doves as Noah, his family, and a cuddly cartoon menagerie of animals build and board a cheerfully overflowing ark as Noah’s story is retold lightly, matching the colorful array of smiling bees, elephants, and crocodiles while prompting a closer look for hidden scenes.

A Jerusalem Journey

Explore the cobbled streets and timeworn walls of the Old City with one enthusiastic guide, his cousin Aravah, and his little brother, Nitzan, in Tisha B’Av: A Jerusalem Journey, by Allison Ofanansky. Full color photographs from Eliyahu Alpern chronicle the day’s events, from a lighthearted underground tunnel expedition and sifting for treasures to thoughtful prayers after dark at the Western Wall, all while honoring the history, tradition, and celebration of the Jewish holiday Tisha B’Av.

The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls, Book 1

First in a new time-travel adventure series, The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls, Book One: The Beginning,by M. J. Thomas, introduces nine-year-old Peter, his dog, Hank, and his sister, Mary, as they unwittingly break the seal on an ancient scroll and find themselves in the center of the creation story from the book of Genesis. Using their knowledge of the Bible, humor, and a little karate, they must solve a riddle to return home.

100 Sheep, 10 Coins, and 2 Sons

Three well-known parables from the New Testament Gospel of Luke come together in a remarkable way in Who Counts? 100 Sheep, 10 Coins, and 2 Sons, by biblical scholar Amy-Jill Levine and Sandy Eisenberg Sasso. Uniquely modern within a dreamy pastoral setting, a culturally diverse cast from illustrator Margaux Meganck follows along as a cowboy in boots, a stylishly barefoot woman, and an overwhelmed father all search for a certain missing piece, and in the process find something priceless.

The legend of the “Lady in Blue,” rich in history and mystery, is revived in Sisters in Blue, or Hermanas de azul, a bilingual journey of faith and unity, by Anna M. Nogar and Enrique R. Lamadrid. Earthy colors and Native American designs from illustrator Amy Cόrdova depict Sor María, a devout seventeenth-century Catholic from northern Spain, as she miraculously shares her faith with Paf Sheuri, a Pueblo woman living a world away in New Mexico.

A Toddler’s Bedtime Prayer

Sending little ones off to sleep with thankful hearts and peaceful minds, Good Night: A Toddler’s Bedtime Prayer, from Emmanuelle Rémond-Dalyac, encourages children to recall the wonders of God’s creations around them, from blooming flowers and crawling creatures to beloved family and friends, all while establishing a heartfelt nightly routine. Nathalie Dieterlé’s soft watercolors reflect the gentle light of the setting sun and emerging stars next to a simply worded, thoughtful rhyme, perfect for reciting together or embellishing.